Multi-Layer Oxygen Permeable Membrane for Fuel Deoxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel deoxygenation techniques using oxygen permeable membranes face challenges with fuel leakage and saturation, which compromise deoxygenation efficiency and system size/weight efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A composite oxygen permeable membrane with a layered structure, specifically Teflon AF 1600/Teflon AF 2400, is used, which maximizes oxygen transfer rate while minimizing fuel leakage rate, utilizing a thin sealant layer, oxygen permeability layer, and porous backing layer to enhance stability and reduce fuel leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If membrane thickness is increased to reduce fuel leakage, then fuel leakage rate decreases, but oxygen removal rate also decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple functional layers: a thin oxygen-permeable layer (6-12 angstrom pores) for oxygen removal and a thicker fuel-resistant layer (0.5-5 microns) with smaller pores (3-10 angstrom) for fuel rejection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between oxygen removal efficiency and fuel leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite membrane structure combining two different polymer materials with distinct properties. The first layer uses a material optimized for oxygen permeability while the second layer uses a material optimized for fuel resistance. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of high oxygen removal rate and low fuel leakage rate that cannot be achieved with a single homogeneous membrane.
2Productivity
If membrane thickness is decreased to increase oxygen removal rate, then oxygen removal rate increases, but fuel leakage rate also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple functional layers: a thin oxygen-permeable layer (6-12 angstrom pores) for oxygen removal and a thicker fuel-resistant layer (0.5-5 microns) with smaller pores (3-10 angstrom) for fuel rejection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between oxygen removal efficiency and fuel leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite membrane structure combining two different polymer materials with distinct properties. The first layer uses a material optimized for oxygen permeability while the second layer uses a material optimized for fuel resistance. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of high oxygen removal rate and low fuel leakage rate that cannot be achieved with a single homogeneous membrane.
3Productivity
If membrane thickness is optimized for oxygen removal, then deoxygenation efficiency increases, but fuel saturation of membrane increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the membrane have different properties tailored to local requirements. The first layer (in contact with fuel) has larger pores optimized for oxygen permeability, while the second layer (outer layer) has smaller pores optimized for fuel resistance. This local quality differentiation prevents fuel saturation in the oxygen-permeable layer by providing a fuel-resistant barrier layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite membrane structure combining two different polymer materials with distinct properties. The first layer uses a material optimized for oxygen permeability while the second layer uses a material optimized for fuel resistance. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of high oxygen removal rate and low fuel leakage rate that cannot be achieved with a single homogeneous membrane.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite membrane achieves a 20% improvement in jet fuel deoxygenation with significantly reduced fuel leakage, maintaining performance over 1000 hours of continuous operation without degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is in contact with fuel flow and is supported on a porous backing plate such that oxygen may be extracted from the fuel
Implementation Method 2
The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane maximizes the oxygen transfer rate yet minimizes the fuel leakage rate
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane (36) formed from a multiple of layers. The layers include a sealant layer, an oxygen permeability layer and a porous backing layer. The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane (36) maximizes the oxygen transfer rate and minimizes the fuel leakage rate.